Michelle LeClair, VP Métis Nation - Saskatchewan

09/14/2026

What a great weekend at CUMFI Métis Cultural Days!

A huge thank you to Shirley Isbister, the CUMFI team, volunteers, performers, vendors and everyone who helped make the weekend such a success.

You can see how much work goes into bringing our community together to celebrate Métis culture, family and community.

And I have to say, the neckbone eating contest is always so much fun to watch! There is nothing quite like the cheering, laughter and friendly competition that comes with it.

Thank you, CUMFI, for another wonderful Métis Cultural Days and for creating a space where our people can come together, reconnect and have some fun.

09/11/2026

A beautiful evening celebrating our people and officially opening CUMFI Métis Cultural Days at the Saskatoon Western Development Museum. Doors open today, Friday, September 11, at 3:30 p.m.

Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients, including Ministers Loretta King and Beverly Fullerton, and to Gerald Morin on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

This is CUMFI’s eighth year hosting Métis Cultural Days, and having been part of planning the very first one, I’m so proud to see how much it has grown. The committee works for months to bring this event together, and they have done a wonderful job once again.

Thank you to CUMFI President Shirley Isbister for her dedication to the community and for creating such a welcoming event where everyone can come together, celebrate and learn about Métis culture.

More information and the full agenda are available at https://metisdays.ca

09/08/2026

📣 Applications are now open!
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan is helping make childcare more affordable for Métis families through the Early Learning and Child Care Subsidy Program.

Eligible families with children ages 0–12 could see childcare fees reduced to as low as $10 a day, and families earning $100,000 or less may be eligible for full coverage.
Give your child a great start — without childcare costs holding your family back.

Learn more and apply today: https://mns.ca/services-and-programs/applications/childcare-subsidy

09/05/2026

Congratulations to ER2A Regional director, Minister Darcy Lepowick, on celebrating a successful opening of the Ma Faamii Centre, in Yorkton, and thank you for the invitation to bring greetings.

While I was there I happily ran into Ron Langan and heard all about his good news and gave me permission to tell you his story.

Ron is now a first-time homeowner through the MN–S First Time Homebuyers Program!

At 68, he has created generational wealth that he can pass on to the next generation and a place he can proudly say is his home. That is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to plan for the future!

That is what Ma Faamii Centres are here for: to support Métis citizens and families through every stage of life.

Congratulations, Ron, and congratulations to everyone who helped make the Yorkton Ma Faamii Centre a reality.

08/26/2026

Today, we celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the new Ma Faamii Centre in North Battleford.

What began with a groundbreaking and blessing in November 2024 is now a welcoming space where Métis citizens in the region can more easily connect with programs, services and supports.

This centre was built with citizens in mind, bringing services closer to home and making it easier to get the help and information people need.

Thank you to all the MN-S staff and builders who helped bring this project from the ground up to opening day. A proud day for the North Battleford Métis community. ~ Michelle

08/26/2026

Nation to Nation conversations matter.

Today we sat together with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, listening to one another and focused on what we share, how we can support each other and move our Nations forward together.

There is more that connects us than divides us.

Métis and First Nations have deep ties, shared histories and many of the same hopes for our people and our future. More than 200 years ago, our ancestors stood together. That strength did not disappear.

08/13/2026

Another champion called home. Thank you for your service and the lasting impact on our community.

It’s been a difficult week for our Métis Nation as we say goodbye to another champion. A fighter on the field and in the ring, Claude Petit will be missed by the many people he touched in his 91 years.
A decorated Korean War Veteran, Claude was instrumental in improving Veteran compensation and benefits. Involved in many sports, he will be best known for his years in the ring. A four-time golden glove title holder, Claude was a youth mentor, coaching young people and serving as President of the Saskatchewan Boxing Association.
Born in the tight-knit community of Duck Lake, Petit was instrumental in the planning of the Back to Batoche Days festival for more than two decades (1970-1990). He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1988 and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2002 for his outstanding community contributions.
Our prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends. Ni kishkishinaan kiiya – we’re thinking of you.
Photo via The Canadian Encyclopedia

08/11/2026

We have lost yet another great leader. Rest in peace Lennard. Sending condolences to his family and all that cared for him 🙏♾️❤️

Lennard Morin devoted his life to service, leadership, faith, and community. He proudly served as a Northern Eastern Region 1 Regional Representative with the Métis Nation and as Mayor of Cumberland House. He was a respected voice who led through action, advocacy, and genuine care for the people he served.

During his tenure as MN-S Minister of Veterans, he was a strong and passionate advocate for Métis veterans. Lennard brought the Veterans Monument in Batoche to life, creating a lasting tribute honouring their service and sacrifice.

He worked tirelessly for his community, including raising awareness of the need for a bridge that is now in use today. After lobbying 10 years and he took action. His commitment was demonstrated through his remarkable bridge walk from Cumberland House to Regina where he built and carried a large heavy wooden cross, bringing attention to the importance of this connection for his community. His dedication earned him recognition as a lifelong member of SUMA and reflected the determination he brought to every cause he championed.

Lennard was also a man of deep faith and was an avid churchgoer and strong supporter of his church and community of faith. His faith was an important part of his life and guided his commitment to serving others, helping those in need, and giving back to his community.

Sports were another lifelong passion. Lennard supported the development of a local sports venue, attended countless sporting events, was especially fond of the football teams and coaching hockey. He believed in the importance of giving youth opportunities to participate, grow, and be part of their community.

As President of the local Fur Trappers Association, Lennard held a deep respect for life on the trapline and for the traditions, knowledge, and enduring connection to the land that it represents.

Beyond his many accomplishments and contributions, Lennard was a dedicated husband, father, father in law, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was a true volunteer who willingly gave his time, energy, and heart to others. He had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and his kindness and generosity touched many lives. To his family and friends, he was not only a leader in the community, but someone they could count on and cherish.

Lennard’s legacy is one of service, advocacy, faith, family, cultural pride, and unwavering commitment to his community. His impact will continue to be felt in the people he inspired, the places he helped shape, and the traditions he worked to honour and preserve.

His was a life of action, a life dedicated to faith, family, community, and making a difference. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

May he rest peacefully.

08/09/2026

My heart goes out to Lou’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Lou was a true hockey hero whose impact extended far beyond the sport, including his commitment to advancing the interests of the Métis Nation. As a survivor, he courageously lent his name and voice to the action against Canada and Saskatchewan regarding the Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School, reflecting his dedication to justice and his community. He touched countless lives and leaves behind a lasting legacy. Rest easy, my friend. You will be greatly missed. 🙏♾️💔

07/30/2026

The Amachiwayhaataak (Let's Soar) Program provides financial support to Métis families with children from birth to age 12 who have additional or specialized needs, helping them access educational, health, and social supports so they can thrive.

For all details, and to apply visit https://mns.ca/services-and-programs/applications/lets-soar-program and help your child soar!

For questions, please contact [email protected]